unexplained death

A lawyer for the family of a teenager found dead nearly eight years ago says a second autopsy of the exhumed body is complete. Attorney Eric Bland, who is representing the family of Stephen Smith, says this weekend was a "bittersweet" and "trying time." Stephen Smith was found dead on a lonely highway in July 2015. Investigators initially thought it was a hit-and-run, but authorities say no skid marks or vehicle debris was found near his body. Bland's law firm announced Monday a $35,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone responsible.

A South Carolina mother has traveled to New Orleans in hopes of learning more about her the death of her 21-year-old daughter. Ciaya Whetstone was a senior at the University of New Orleans. She died Feb. 19 after being dropped off at a New Orleans hospital. Her friends told local news outlets she had gone to Carnival parades in suburban Metairie the night before and had checked on her dog at home in New Orleans before leaving with a driver for a ride share service that morning. The coroner's office says it could be weeks before an investigation into the cause of her death is complete.